Iceland Travel Guide
Getting Around
Iceland
Iceland has several transport options — the right choice depends on where you're going, when you're travelling and how independently you want to move.
50 km
KEF → Reykjavík
~45 min
Airport bus transfer
1,332 km
Ring Road total
5
Domestic airports
2
Passenger ferry routes
No
Rail network
Plan your route
How do you want to travel?
Each transport mode suits a different type of trip.
Rental Car
Best for
- Ring Road
- Flexible itineraries
- Remote regions
- Westfjords
Guided Day Tour
Best for
- Golden Circle
- South Coast
- No car needed
- Glacier activities
Public Bus
Best for
- Reykjavík city
- Budget travel
- Major towns
- Capital region
Domestic Flight
Best for
- Akureyri
- Egilsstaðir
- Ísafjörður
- Time-saving
Ferry
Best for
- Westfjords access
- Westman Islands
- Scenic crossing
- Vehicles carried
Airport Transfer
Best for
- KEF → Reykjavík
- No car needed yet
- Arrival/departure
- Group travel
First step
Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is 50 km from central Reykjavík. There is no rail link — these are your options.
Two different airports
International flights arrive at Keflavík Airport (KEF) 50 km west of the city. Domestic flights use Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) inside the city — a completely separate facility. Do not mix them up when booking transfers.
Scheduled Airport Transfer
Flybus (Reykjavík Excursions) and Airport Direct (Gray Line) run timed departures to meet every arriving flight. Both serve BSÍ terminal with hotel drop-off upgrades available.
- Timed to flights
- Most affordable shared option
- Door-to-door hotel upgrade
Car Rental
All major agencies have desks in the arrivals hall. Best if you plan to drive immediately from the airport. Book well in advance in summer — availability is tight.
- Maximum flexibility
- No transfer needed
- Drive straight from airport
Private Transfer
Door-to-door from arrivals to your accommodation. Pre-booked services meet you at the terminal with your name. More expensive than scheduled buses but convenient for groups or late arrivals.
- Door-to-door
- Meet & greet
- Good for groups
Taxi
Taxis are available outside arrivals but the 50 km journey to Reykjavík makes this the most expensive option. No Uber in Iceland.
- Available on arrival
- No booking needed
Current schedules and fares: re.is/flybus · grayline.is · isavia.is
Key question
Do You Need a Car in Iceland?
The answer depends entirely on your itinerary. Here's a practical breakdown by trip type.
| Trip type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Reykjavík city break | No |
| Reykjavík + Golden Circle | Optional |
| Blue Lagoon / Reykjanes | Optional |
| South Coast highlights | Car or guided tour |
| Ring Road | Strongly recommended |
| Westfjords | Strongly recommended |
| Highlands (F-roads) | Appropriate 4x4 required |
| Remote East Iceland | Car strongly recommended |
4WD vs standard car
All F-roads (highland routes marked with "F" prefix) require a high-clearance 4WD with low range. Driving a standard car on F-roads voids your rental agreement and invalidates insurance. For Ring Road and all other paved routes, a standard car is normally sufficient outside winter conditions.
Booking in advance
Car rental inventory in Iceland is tight in summer (June–August). Book as early as possible — 3–6 months ahead for July. All major international agencies operate at Keflavík Airport arrivals.
Browse tours for car-free travelersCar-free travel
Can You Travel Iceland Without a Car?
Yes — for many popular destinations. Here's where it works well, where it's possible with planning, and where a car becomes essential.
Reykjavík
EasyFully accessible by Strætó bus and walking. Most attractions within the city are within 15 minutes on foot.
Golden Circle
EasyDaily day tours depart from BSÍ. Multiple operators, many departure times. One of the most popular no-car routes.
Blue Lagoon
EasyShuttle buses from KEF airport and central Reykjavík. Book in advance.
South Coast
PossibleSterna runs a hop-on/hop-off summer coach. You can base yourself in Vík and explore from there.
Akureyri / North Iceland
PossibleDirect coach (6–7 hours) or 45-minute domestic flight. Local buses operate in Akureyri town.
Vestmannaeyjar
PossibleHerjólfur ferry (35 min from Landeyjahöfn) or Eagle Air flight. A straightforward day trip.
Westfjords
DifficultSæfari ferry brings you to the Westfjords — but within the peninsula public transport is very limited. Local car hire is strongly recommended.
Ring Road (full circuit)
DifficultPossible in summer via scheduled coaches and hitchhiking between stops, but takes 2–3 weeks and some sections have infrequent or no service.
Highlands
Tour requiredNo independent access without a 4WD. Highland buses (June–September) run fixed routes to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk — no free-roaming.
Explore without driving
Guided Day Tours
No car needed — guided tours pick you up from Reykjavík and bring you to Iceland's best destinations.
推荐 8 hoursDTT 301 Private Superjeep Golden Circle & Langjökull Glacier
Superjeep
起价
249,500 ISK
10 hoursGlacier Snowmobiling & Golden Circle Super Jeep Adventure
Snowmobile.is
起价
49,990 ISK
6 hoursGolden Circle Afternoon Small Group Tour
Arctic Adventures
起价
13,990 ISK
推荐 8 hoursDTT 301 Private Superjeep Golden Circle & Langjökull Glacier
Superjeep
起价
249,500 ISK
10 hoursHot Spring and Cool Glacier - Langjökull - Snowmobile and Secret Lagoon
Mountaineers of Iceland
起价
56,900 ISK
10 hoursGlacier Hiking Tour - Icelandic Local Guide
Norse Adventures
起价
38,900 ISK
Overview
Transport Hubs Map
Airports, ferry terminals and the main bus terminal across Iceland.
City transport
Strætó — Public Buses
Strætó bs operates all public buses in Reykjavík and surrounding municipalities (Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær).
No cash on Reykjavík buses
Buses in Iceland do not accept cash. You must pay using the Strætó app (iOS / Android) or a pre-loaded travel card. Download the app before you arrive — you can buy single fares, day passes and weekly passes through the app.
Key routes
Hlemmur – Breiðholt
Main east–west spine
Mjódd – Kringlan – Hlemmur
Kringlan mall link
Hlemmur – Háaleiti
Universities & domestic airport area
Mjódd – Kópavogur
Main Kópavogur route
Hlemmur – Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður link
BSÍ – Laugardalur – Domestic Airport
Reaches Reykjavík Domestic Airport
Practical information
Coverage area
Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær
Operating hours
Approximately 06:00–23:30 on weekdays; reduced hours on weekends
Payment
Strætó app or travel card only. No cash. No card reader on board.
Timetables
Check real-time timetables on the Strætó app or straeto.is
Intercity travel
Coaches & Long-Distance Buses
Scheduled coaches connect Reykjavík with major towns and summer highland destinations. BSÍ bus terminal is the main Reykjavík hub.
Reykjavík – Akureyri
Strætó / Sterna
Book online in advance in summer — seats fill quickly on this route.
Reykjavík – Vík – Höfn (South Coast)
Sterna
Hop-on/hop-off options available in summer — great for budget travellers wanting flexibility.
Highland Bus — Landmannalaugar
Ferðafélag Íslands
Runs June–September only. Saves you the F-road approach without needing a 4WD.
Highland Bus — Þórsmörk
Reykjavík Excursions
Crosses rivers that are impassable for regular vehicles. Summer only.
Other operators: Reykjavík Excursions · Sterna · Trex · Gray Line Iceland
Fastest option
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights save enormous time compared to ground transport. All domestic departures use Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) — separate from Keflavík International. Reach it by Strætó route 15.
Reykjavík (RKV) → Akureyri (AEY)
~45 minAir Iceland Connect
Most popular domestic route. Multiple daily departures.
vs 6–7 hours by coach overland
Check schedulesReykjavík (RKV) → Egilsstaðir (EGS)
~50 minAir Iceland Connect
East Iceland is extremely remote overland — flying saves a full day.
vs 12+ hours by road overland
Check schedulesReykjavík (RKV) → Ísafjörður (IFJ)
~40 minAir Iceland Connect
Gateway to the Westfjords. Alternative to the Sæfari ferry.
vs 7–8 hours by road (no direct bus) overland
Check schedulesReykjavík (RKV) → Vestmannaeyjar (VEY)
~20 minEagle Air (Ernir)
Fastest option to the Westman Islands.
vs Ferry from Landeyjahöfn (35 min) + drive overland
Check schedulesAirport confusion alert: Keflavík International Airport (KEF) handles all international flights and is 50 km west of Reykjavík. Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) is inside the city near Vatnsmýri and handles only domestic routes. These are completely separate facilities — do not attempt to catch a domestic flight from Keflavík.
Island & fjord access
Ferries in Iceland
Iceland has two main passenger ferry routes. Both carry vehicles. Schedules and fares change seasonally — always check the operator's website before booking.
Baldur — Sæfari
Stykkishólmur → Flatey → Brjánslækur
The scenic route to the Westfjords through Breiðafjörður. Over 3,000 islands and skerries. Vehicles carried.
Season
Year-round (limited winter sailings)
The Flatey island stop is optional — a charming detour for those not in a hurry.
Check schedules at saefari.isHerjólfur
Landeyjahöfn → Vestmannaeyjar (35 min) / Þorlákshöfn → Vestmannaeyjar (2.5 hrs)
Gateway to the Westman Islands. Main route from Landeyjahöfn is the quickest. Þorlákshöfn serves as backup when weather closes the main port.
Season
Year-round on both routes
Vestmannaeyjar is one of Iceland's most rewarding side trips — puffins, Eldfell volcano and Surtsey visible from the sea.
Check schedules at herjolfur.isTaxis & Private Transfers
There is no Uber in Iceland. Taxis are licensed and metered — find them at hotels, taxi ranks or book by phone.
Check current fares with individual operators — pricing is metered and may vary by time of day.
Regional guide
Getting Around by Region
Transport availability varies significantly across Iceland's regions.
Reykjavík / Capital Region
Car
Not needed
Bus
Strætó network
Guided tours
All major day tours
Best car-free destination in Iceland
Reykjanes
Car
Recommended
Bus
Limited — KEF area only
Guided tours
Blue Lagoon shuttles, day tours
Car useful beyond Blue Lagoon
South Iceland
Car
Recommended
Bus
Summer hop-on/hop-off (Sterna)
Guided tours
South Coast day tours
Guided tours cover key sites without a car
West Iceland / Snæfellsnes
Car
Strongly recommended
Bus
Very limited
Guided tours
Day tours from Reykjavík
Peninsula distances require a car or guided tour
Westfjords
Car
Strongly recommended
Bus
Minimal — within fjords only
Guided tours
Limited day tours
Sæfari ferry reaches the Westfjords; car needed within
North Iceland
Car
Recommended
Bus
Coach to Akureyri; local buses
Guided tours
Day tours from Akureyri
Akureyri accessible by coach/flight; surroundings need a car
East Iceland
Car
Strongly recommended
Bus
Very limited
Guided tours
Very limited
Remote — car or domestic flight to Egilsstaðir recommended
Highlands
Car
4WD only on F-roads
Bus
Highland buses (Jun–Sep only)
Guided tours
Guided highland tours
No independent access without suitable 4WD
Seasonal
Transport by Season
Summer (June–August)
- Longest daylight — up to 24 hours in June
- Highland buses operate (F-road access without 4WD on fixed routes)
- Most ferry sailings available, including Sæfari summer schedule
- High demand for car rentals — book 3–6 months in advance
- South Coast hop-on/hop-off coaches active
- Increased coach frequency on popular routes
Winter (October–March)
- Short daylight — as few as 4–5 hours in December
- Highland buses do not operate — F-roads closed
- Winter-capable 4WD strongly recommended outside Reykjavík
- Road closures possible with minimal notice — check road.is daily
- Reduced ferry frequency on some routes
- Guided transport particularly useful — drivers handle weather
- Northern Lights tours operate year-round
Watch out
Common Transport Mistakes
These come up repeatedly — know them before you arrive.
Arriving at KEF without pre-booked transfer
There is no rail link between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík. Taxis are expensive. Book a shared airport bus or private transfer before landing.
Confusing Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport
International flights use Keflavík (KEF) 50 km from the city. Domestic flights to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and Ísafjörður use Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) — a different location, reachable by Strætó route 15.
Renting a 2WD car for F-roads
F-roads require a high-clearance 4WD with low range. Driving a standard car on F-roads voids rental insurance, invalidates coverage and can result in a costly rescue operation.
Expecting buses to reach every attraction
Public transport covers Reykjavík well but most waterfalls, glaciers and remote sites have no direct bus service. Guided tours or a car are needed for most attractions outside the capital.
Not downloading the Strætó app before arriving
Reykjavík buses do not accept cash. You must pay via the Strætó app or a pre-loaded travel card. Download it before you leave home.
Underestimating Icelandic driving distances
Most roads are single-lane or gravel. 300 km can take 5+ hours. The Ring Road is 1,332 km — allow at least 10 driving days to do it without rushing.
Not checking road.is before every drive
Roads close without warning due to weather, flooding or volcanic events. Check road.is before every journey — especially in autumn, winter and spring.
Official Resources
Strætó (straeto.is)
City bus app, schedules and tickets — Reykjavík and surrounding municipalities
Road Conditions (road.is)
Live road open/closed status and F-road conditions — check before every drive
Keflavík Airport (isavia.is)
Arrivals, departures, facilities and transport from KEF
Bus.is
Long-distance coach timetables and booking
Sæfari (saefari.is)
Baldur ferry — Stykkishólmur to Westfjords via Flatey
Herjólfur (herjolfur.is)
Ferry to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
SafeTravel Iceland
Route registration, live travel alerts and rescue information
Air Iceland Connect
Domestic flights: Reykjavík to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Ísafjörður
Eagle Air (Ernir)
Domestic flights to Vestmannaeyjar, Bíldudalur and more
FAQ